Cities

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

Shikoku can be reached by train from neighbouring Honshu cities like Hiroshiima. There are also night trains, for example to Takamatsu, the main gateway on the island. Check Hyperdia for schedules and prices.

By Bus

Many bus companies operate buses to main cities and towns on Shikoku and onwards to the mainland. Willer Express goes to Kobe, Osaka and Tokyo, while Iyo Tetsu Bus goes to Fukuoka (10 hours).

By Boat

There is regular ferry service to Hiroshima from Matsuyama including a speedy hydrofoil service taking less than 1.5 hours. There are also slower and longer ferries, including to Kobe and to Kyushu island. Setonaikai is one of the operators and Ishizaki is another one. The slower ferries take about 2.5 hours but are twice as cheap (about 3,500 yen instead of 7,000 one-way!). Sunflower ferries goes to Kokura in Kitakyushu and travel at night. It also runs the ferry between Osaka and Beppu which stops in Matsuyama on its way to Osaka, but not the other way around!